Hot dog? Take your pup to these pet-friendly beaches

Dogs love these spots, from Carolina to California

A dog sits in a chair on the beach on April 19, 2014 in Grand Isle, Louisiana.

Sean Gardner

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The summer heat can be oppressive on our canine friends, and dog owners are always looking for something fun to do with their pooch.

A great option for both dog and owner is a dog-friendly beach, where the fresh breezes, cool water and room to run all add up to a great experience for you and your pet. Here are five popular dog-friendly beaches around the country:

Located on North Carolina's famous Outer Banks, Nags Head features 11 miles of coastline, with 40 public access points. But the best part? Besides the sand dunes, shipwrecks and historic architecture -- dogs are allowed on the beach year-round. They must be kept on a leash no longer than 10 feet and owners are responsible for cleaning up after them, but other than that they are free to dig, swim, and run to their hearts' content.

This northwestern corner of Montrose Beach in Chicago is not only dog-friendly but is an off-leash beach. There's no cost to access the beach, but a Dog Friendly Area tag is required for all pups, which run about $5 each. The beach is maintained entirely by volunteers, so owner responsibility is key to keeping this beach the happy, friendly place that it is. Be sure to check out the beach rules before you go.

Named "One of the World's 100 Most Beautiful Places" by National Geographic in their June 2013 issue, this beach is perfect for long doggy walks. Your dog does not have to leashed, as long as they are under control. If you are planning on a vacation to the area, there are lots of pet-friendly hotels as well. Plus, "The Goonies" was shot there so it's sure to bring out your inner kid.

Ten miles of beautiful coastline, including Glory Beach, this spot was a filming location from the movie "Glory," and it is all dog-friendly. Your dog needs to be kept on a leash but there are lots of pet-friendly businesses in the area as well.

The Original Dog Beach in San Diego is one of the first legal leash-free beaches in the U.S. There's a real sense of community amongst both dogs and owners, and it gets rave reviews from dog-lovers around the country. If you have a social dog, this is the place to bring him to hang out with all his furry friends.